So, this time next week we COULD have a baby

Peanut'sMom · #1 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 04:49 AM

Sarah is doing great. U/S yesterday fluid was up over 8. What is interesting is they marked the gestational age at 33 weeks 0 days - which is what we've believed all along. (Last appt the doc changed it to 3 days later based on LMP)

Last night she talked to the Nurse about the issues she has with Dr. Soap Opera (read the blog) and that the difference in gestational age means she should be 34 weeks next Thursday, not Sunday. That would mean induction on Thursday. (Isn't it better during the week than a weekend?) The Nurse was great, and talked to Dr. Twiddley Toes, Dr. Soap Opera and the on-call Doc. She told them that Sarah feels like she is being talked down to and that Dr. SO doesn't listen to anything she says. Long story short they are meeting with her this morning to discuss. We may have a baby by this time next week if they agree with the gestational age and induction goes smoothly.

Also, in defense of the 3 day difference, if she delivers on Thursday or Friday, she would be home on Sunday, and I can stay home Mon & Tues with her, Later, and I can't. My boss is flying in from AZ and we are having a BIG series of meetings Wed-Fri. Sarah has never even babysat a small baby, let alone come home alone with a preemie and not having her mom. (Dad would be avail on Wed-Fri but that's not mom)

Thoughts?

snoopydog · #2 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 05:42 AM

My advice would be to let Natalie bake as long as possible, even if it means more time in the hospital for Sarah. I know it's a real drag being there, but it would be so wonderful if Natalie and Sarah could go home together. My son was 13 weeks early and spent many months in the NICU, and it really becomes emotionally draining after more than a few days.

Please forgive me for asking but I'm pretty new to this board, is Sarah under 18? Is that why the doctor's aren't taking her seriously? Are you always there when the docs are around? Maybe it would be better to have Sarah talk to them alone so they know she has a good handle on the situation. I know it has to be tough, but please know we're all praying for you guys.

I'm praying for a good outcome for both Sarah and Natalie and will keep all of you in my prayers.

May · #3 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 05:47 AM

I hope that the doctors will start listening to Sarah and not talk down to her anymore!
Let us know what they all decide after their meeting.
Thank you so much for continuing to update us on everything!!

KFG · #4 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 05:53 AM

Thanks for the update! As for the week or weekend being better, I was induced on a Thursday but my little gal wasn't born until Saturday. She was "stuck" and I was in labor a long time. So although I thought I would have had a baby on Friday, these little ones sometimes have a mind of their own. I wonder if they would let Sarah labor that long though. Anyway, the only difference I noticed on the weekend was that the nurses changed more. The same nurses worked pretty much the same shifts during the week but on the weekends I saw lots of different ones. Other than that, the docs were there all the time.

Hopefully you'll get a definitive answer today!

wakejul · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 06:43 AM

What a hard decision! I know that Sarah is so ready for this to be over! Is there a reason they would induce her instead of waiting to see how long she could go? What are the chance Natalie would come home with her our will she have to stay in the NICU for a few weeks? Let us know how things go.

Surprise4th · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 06:43 AM

Ugh...a very difficult decision for Sarah/you guys to be thinking about. I know that they have done everything they can to have little Natalie ready for her first few breaths, but you want her in there as long as she is able -- w/o harming Mom -- so, as long as there is no infection, I wouldn't want to push the date.

What about waiting until you are done with your meetings at work and inducing early the following week?!? I know how frustrating the hospital stay must be and impatient you must all be to meet your granddaughter (

) -- but that would give her almost a full week and close to a 1 pound gain...

That being said, I know that a lot of women on this board have had preemies and can give you some great advice. My first was born at 36 weeks and weighed 7.8 pounds -- then I delivered twins at 35 weeks and they were 6.8 pounds and 5.13 pounds. The only issue was that the little one did have to get O2 right away -- but they both came home healthy with us.

Good luck...I'm so sorry Sarah has had to go through this...

Vwantsababy · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 07:25 AM

Thanks for the update!

I wanted to chime in that delivering on a weekday or weekend makes no difference. All L&D units have doctors on the unit 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The nurses could be different depending on how staffing is done but there is always coverage.

Jenna05 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 08:39 AM

Well, I believe that after 34 weeks, the risk of infection to Natalie poses a greater problem than her being born a few weeks early does.
I hope that they get their dates straight at the hospital!

mylilbeebers · #9 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 08:56 AM

If Natalie is born, wouldn't she have to stay a week or two in NICU anyways? I don't know if she'd be able to leave the same day as Sarah would, right? I hope she can get everything straightened out and get a definite answer! Thanks for keeping us updated. It's been a long haul for her!

Peanut'sMom · #10 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 09:07 AM

Jenna was right, the risk of infection grows exponentially every day after rupture of the membrane. That's why at 34 weeks they go ahead and induce. Natalie could come home with her if she is breathing well on her on and maintains her body temperature on her own, and is sucking.

I think part of the talking down to her IS her age. She is just barely 21. Most days when he sees her I am NOT there. Doesn't seem to make a difference - when we question things about the pregancy or treatment (like why the IV to stop contractions when they said they would let her go) seem to be what starts him on a rant. He went off on me last time, and I probably should have gone back at him, but 1) I was SHOCKED and 2) I was trying to be careful not to upset Sarah.

I think we've pretty much decided not to fight for the 3 days since Natalie will just be bigger. SO she will get induced in 9 days.

mom2one&babybean · #11 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 09:15 AM

Well, good luck with whichever decision you all come to. I can imagine it is a tough one w/so many factors to weigh. I'll be thinking of you and of Natalie, Sarah. I hope it all goes smoothly and you do get to take her home with you. I know it probably feels like forever, but you are almost there!!! You're doing a great job. Keep up the good work!!

Re: the Dr.'s, I have seen this firsthand with how some of the hospital doctors have treated my grandparents (86 and 90 years old). Unfortunately, some of them do have that "God-complex" where they feel they are above questions. Patients are just trying to be informed and make the best decision for themselves, and unfortunately some Doctors feel threatened by anyone questioning what they want to do. I'm sorry you are dealing with this. It is a very frustrating and infuriating situation when someone you love is in their hands. I hope that part improves over the next week. (((Hugs)))

Peanut'sMom · #12 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 10:04 AM

Well, he finally showed up, along with the head of OB. That nurse must have hit a home run, because he was VERY calm and explanatory today (no crap - when you come with the boss and her dad is there!)

And she did bring up the question of the due date fluctuation, and questioned whether it actually increases the risk to go "past" the 34 weeks. SO, Here's the latest......

Next Thursday they do the regularly scheduled U/S, check her cervix, and if not dilated they will start her on something to start thinning the cervix, and induce on Friday. So, we COULD have Natalie here this time next week!

TirzahsMommy · #13 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 10:07 AM

I hope everything goes well for you all

I highly HIGHLY doubt that at 34wks she could come home with you. Girls do better than boys...but thats still early. Keep us posted!

Champaggne · #14 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 10:10 AM

wow good luck for you! I hope everyone is out of the hospital soon. I know sarah is getting tired of being there. Just be prepared though for little Natalie having to stay in NICU for a little bit. She will be early. I just dont see them letting her go right away. Hope so though.

mylilbeebers · #15 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 10:15 AM

Ditto to what Janice said...my DD was born just over 37 weeks and was 6lbs 4oz and was discharged at 5lbs 12oz...and she was very close to being kept at the hospital. It was only because of her great nursing ability that they let us go! (But we did have to come back 3 days later to check on her weight, which she had successfully gained back in that time).

TirzahsMommy · #16 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 10:29 AM

to follow on Dawn's comment...our second child was born at 38wks...and was 8lbs 7oz...but was immediately put in the NICU and we were also on the verge of going home without home. So size and breathing are not the main issues...he couldn't maintain his blood sugars which is a very common problem with 'early' babies...now I know 38wks is term....however as I said, boys do worse than girls.

snoopydog · #17 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by TirzahsMommy

to follow on Dawn's comment...our second child was born at 38wks...and was 8lbs 7oz...but was immediately put in the NICU and we were also on the verge of going home without home. So size and breathing are not the main issues...he couldn't maintain his blood sugars which is a very common problem with 'early' babies...now I know 38wks is term....however as I said, boys do worse than girls.

I can vouch for that, Matthew had a really rocky course those first few weeks.

It's good to hear that the doctor was more compassionate today. I'm sure Sarah is so ready to get out of the hospital! Thanks goodness for you and her dad!

3rd of a 3rd · #18 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 11:07 AM

I'm glad the Dr. was more willing to talk about the plan today! I would have a really hard time with them changing the plan constantly. I can understand that in a medical situation they have to respond to the latest info, but I would want them to tell me "hey, the plan is changing & here is the reason"
Hugs to you all - Sarah - hope you are hanging in there. Keep us posted & we'll keep the good thoughts coming!

mymanyblessings · #19 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 11:21 AM

I totally agree with what everyone else has said. I know Sarah is uncomfortable and tired of staying in the hospital on bedrest and just wants this to be done and over with. I really honestly feel very bad for her. I want nothing but the best for both of them. Im sure the doctors know what they are talking about and that their decision would probably be the best. I had my third ds at 34 1/2 weeks. My first 2 were early so I knew my third was probably going to be early to. Other then my first 3 coming early prior to them being born I had no problems at all with them, and I was not considered high risk. At 33 weeks with my third I went to the bathroom and I thought wow I am really peeing alot, it just wouldnt quit coming. When I got up to wipe it was all very dark red blood. I was taken to the hospital where they admitted me and did tons of testing and everything else under the sun on me. I stayed in there a little over a week on complete bedrest. They finally released me on a Fri. saying there was nothing more they could do and if I was to go into labor they wouldnt stop it. Well I went back in on Monday and had him. He was taken right away from me, I never got to hold him or anything. They then rushed him to another hospital where he spent almost 2 weeks in the NICU. It was by far one of the worst things that ever happened to me. I had the steroid shots and everything. He was 5" 6oz when born but his weight dropped into the early 4 pound range. I am not saying this happens to everybody cuz it doesnt. My girlfriend had a baby born at 40 weeks, 10" and still had to spend time in the NICU so it is different. Also my step sister had a baby at 32 or 33 weeks due to her water breaking, and she did very well. She still had a short visit in the NICU but other than that she did good. You just never know, Natalie could be born at 34 weeks, do awesome on her breathing, and sucking, and keeping her temp. up and be able to come home. Every child is different. I will continue to pray and keep Sarah and Natalie in my thoughts. If the doctor thinks inducing her next week is the right thing to do then they are probably right. Please keep us updated.

sept9th mommy · #20 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 12:54 PM

Glad you guys got some answers from the doc and at least you know what to expect now. Good luck and please keep us posted. Hang in there girls!!!